1997 Mitsubishi L200: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Mitsubishi L200?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Mitsubishi L200 than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Chassis rust or damage4× usual
  Mitsubishi L200

  23.7% All 1997 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Rigid brake pipes2.1× usual
  Mitsubishi L200

  30.4% All 1997 cars

  14.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 2.1% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Wheel bearings2.3× usual
  Mitsubishi L200

  15.5% All 1997 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 1.2% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Number plate lights2.7× usual
  Mitsubishi L200

  12.2% All 1997 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.2% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Ball joint2.6× usual
  Mitsubishi L200

  11.9% All 1997 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.5% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 1997 Mitsubishi L200 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Mitsubishi L200 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  45% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  43% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  42% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Rust and bodywork
  33% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  30% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Mitsubishi L200

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 1997 Mitsubishi L200 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1997 Mitsubishi L200 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1997 Mitsubishi L200 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?